That has been his constant fear since being struck down by a stomach virus which ruled him out for a two-month spell that took in 15 matches.

'Minutes on the pitch are important,' he admitted. 'But I am disappointed with the result. As a first-team player I was wanting to put in a good shift for them and I am disappointed as everyone else by the outcome.'

On his return Fletcher's focus has been on a body building regime to replace the muscle strength he lost whilst restricted to his bed.

He has managed just 17 minutes of first team football since playing in the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on March 6.

Final chance: Fletcher is aiming for a Wembley date

Alex Ferguson is keen to use him in the Barcelona clash having witnessed his team flounder in their attempts to keep Xavi and Iniesta quiet in his absence during the 2-0 defeat two years ago.

Rafael Da Silva also used the game as a chance to push his claims for a first team return. He has made 24 starts this season but is now down the pecking order.

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